Business setup in Ras Al Khaimah works through three routes: a mainland license from the RAK Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), a free zone license from RAKEZ, or an offshore company registered with RAK ICC. Wordcraft prepares the application, translates and attests the documents, and follows up visas and the bank account.
RAK DED, RAKEZ or RAK ICC: Which One Fits?
Choose RAK DED if you will sell to customers inside the UAE, RAKEZ if you need a free zone base with warehouses or industrial land, and RAK ICC if you only need a holding or international company that does not trade in the UAE.
| Point | RAK DED mainland | RAKEZ free zone | RAK ICC offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issued by | RAK Department of Economic Development | Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone authority | RAK International Corporate Centre (registry) |
| Best for | Trading, contracting, retail and services with UAE customers | Trading, e-commerce, services, manufacturing and logistics | Holding companies, international trading, asset ownership |
| Can it trade in Dubai and the UAE mainland? | Yes, it can serve clients across the UAE; a physical outlet in Dubai needs a Dubai branch license | Not directly; it needs a distributor, a mainland branch or a permit | No, it cannot trade inside the UAE |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership for most activities | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Office | Physical premises with a registered tenancy contract | Flexi-desk, office, warehouse or land | Registered agent address, no operating office |
| Residence visas | Linked to the size of the office | Linked to the facility package | Confirmed case by case at application |
| Corporate tax | 9% on taxable profit above the threshold | 0% on qualifying income for a qualifying free zone person, 9% on other income | In scope if it has UAE-source business |
Mainland Company with RAK DED
RAK DED licenses commercial, professional, industrial and tourism activities for companies that want to invoice UAE customers directly, bid for local contracts or open a shop. Full foreign ownership is allowed for most commercial and industrial activities. A few activities carry conditions, and some professional structures need a local service agent; we check your activity list against the current rules before the trade name is reserved.
RAKEZ Free Zone Company
RAKEZ runs business zones for trading and services and industrial parks for manufacturing and logistics, so a company can start on a flexi-desk and move to a warehouse later without changing emirate. Our RAKEZ company setup page covers license categories and facility options, and the background article on doing business in RAKEZ explains why the zone attracts manufacturers.
RAK ICC Offshore Company
RAK ICC is a corporate registry, not a free zone. Its companies hold shares, property where permitted, or international contracts, and they work through a registered agent. They cannot trade in the UAE, and whether a visa is possible is confirmed at application. See RAK ICC offshore company setup for the registration steps.
Activities That Suit Ras Al Khaimah
Manufacturers and building-materials traders come to Ras Al Khaimah for industrial land and access to the northern ports. Service companies choose it for lower-density office options within driving distance of Dubai. Common licenses we file include general trading, building materials, light manufacturing, logistics, consultancy, tourism services and restaurants.
Office Space, Tenancy and the Visa Quota
A RAK mainland company registers its tenancy contract with the local authority, and the floor area generally decides how many employment visas it can request. RAKEZ packages come with a fixed visa allocation for each facility type, so we size the desk, office or warehouse to your hiring plan before you sign.
Documents for a Ras Al Khaimah Company
- Passports of all shareholders and managers, plus the residence visa and Emirates ID of anyone living in the UAE
- A white-background photo of each shareholder
- Two or three trade name options and the activities you want listed
- A signed tenancy contract (RAK DED) or the facility lease (RAKEZ)
- For a company shareholder: its incorporation certificate and board resolution, attested abroad and at the UAE embassy, then translated into Arabic
Regulated activities add their own approvals, which we list in the quote.
Corporate Tax for RAK Companies
A RAK mainland company pays 9% corporate tax on taxable profit, in force since June 2023. A RAKEZ company can pay 0% on qualifying income only if it meets the qualifying free zone person conditions. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required either way. We set up the company; a registered tax agent should handle the tax registration and returns.
How a RAK Setup Runs with Wordcraft
- Tell us your activity and visa plan on WhatsApp or at any of our offices. The written quote names the route (RAK DED, RAKEZ or RAK ICC) within 10–30 minutes.
- We reserve the trade name, obtain initial approval and draft the MOA in Arabic.
- The tenancy or facility lease is registered and the license application filed; you follow each stage in online tracking.
- After the license, we apply for the establishment card and visas and prepare the bank account file.
Official sources: the Ras Al Khaimah Government portal, RAKEZ and the RAK ICC registry. Comparing emirates first? See the business setup overview or UAE free zones comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RAKEZ or RAK DED better for my business?
RAK DED suits businesses that sell to UAE customers or need a shop or site on the mainland. RAKEZ suits companies that trade internationally, sell online or need warehouse and industrial space. We compare both against your activity list in the quote.
Can a RAK free zone company work in Dubai?
It can sell internationally and inside the free zone. Selling directly to Dubai mainland customers usually needs a distributor, a mainland branch license or a permit.
Can I live in Dubai and own a company in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes. Your residence visa can be issued through the RAK company while you live in another emirate. We handle the Ras Al Khaimah paperwork for you.
What is the difference between RAKEZ and RAK ICC?
RAKEZ is a free zone for operating companies, with facilities that carry a visa allocation. RAK ICC is an offshore registry for holding and international companies that do not trade in the UAE.
Is Ras Al Khaimah good for manufacturing?
Yes. Both the mainland and RAKEZ offer industrial land and warehouses. The approvals depend on the product, and we list them before you apply.
Do I have to come to Ras Al Khaimah during setup?
Only for steps that need you in person, such as a notary signing, visa medical or biometrics. Documents can be sent on WhatsApp and originals are collected free.
How long does company setup in Ras Al Khaimah take?
It depends on the route, any external approval and how quickly documents from abroad are attested. Your written quote gives a realistic timeline.
What decides the cost of a RAK trade license?
The route, the number of activities, the office or facility and the number of visas. We confirm every government charge and our own fee in writing first; see what decides business setup cost.
Last updated: September 2026
